DMK to skip INDIA bloc meeting; gets approval to sit separately in LS

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has received approval from the Lok Sabha Secretariat for a separate seating arrangement in Parliament following the end of its alliance with the Indian National Congress.

The party, led by M. K. Stalin had requested a change in seating arrangements, arguing that its political partnership with Congress had ended and that it would no longer be appropriate for its MPs to sit alongside Congress members. Sources indicated that arrangements for separate seating are now being worked out.

DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking the change in view of the altered political situation, The New Indian Express reported.

The development comes after Congress joined the government led by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), bringing an end to its long-standing alliance with the DMK. Congress, which had contested the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections as part of the DMK-led alliance and won five seats, later extended support to the TVK and became part of the new government.

Amid the fallout, the DMK announced on Thursday evening that it would not participate in the INDIA bloc meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on June 8. In a statement, the party said the decision was taken in deference to the sentiments of its cadre, many of whom reportedly felt deeply hurt by Congress's decision to support the TVK government.

The statement said party workers viewed Congress's move as a betrayal of the DMK, and therefore the party would not attend a meeting in which Congress was participating.

The political realignment has reportedly led to tensions between the two former allies, with several senior DMK leaders describing Congress's decision as an act of backstabbing and betrayal.

Congress, however, defended its position, reportedly arguing that political parties make strategic decisions based on circumstances and noting that the DMK had also contested the 2014 elections independently.